rs with Spoletta at their head; the latter is about to precipitate
himself upon Tosca, but she runs to the parapet and throws herself into
space, with the cry: "Scarpia, may God judge between us!"

BARFUSSELE (LITTLE BARE FOOT).

Opera in two Pictures with a Prelude by RICHARD HEUBERGER.

Words by VICTOR LEON from AUERBACH'S Story.

The young composer's opera is a musical village-story, simple and well
adapted to the pretty subject.

Heuberger's talent is of the graceful style; he is not very original
but his waltzes and "Laendlers" have the true Viennese ring, and the
kirmess in the first act is very characteristic; it is melodious and
{470} full of healthy humour. The airs often recall popular songs.

The story is simple. Its scene is laid in Haldenbrunn, a village in
the Black Forest.

Amrei and Dami, sister and brother, coming home from their distant
school find the door of their father's cottage locked. Accustomed to
the frequent absence of their parents they sit down under the
mountain-ash to wait for their return. A crowd of school-children
following them provoke Amrei by calling her "Barfuessele", because she
never wears shoes; her little brother tries to defend his sister, but
in vain. At last the "Landfriedbaeurin", a rich farmer's wife comes to
his help and drives the tormenting brats away.

She has come to attend the funeral of the two children's parents, who
both died on the same day, and seeing that the orphans do not yet know
of their bereavement she is at a loss, how to make them understand.--At
last she takes off her garnet-necklace, and hangs it round Amrei's
neck, promising Dami a pair of good leather breeches.

When she sees Marann and Mr. Krappenzacher approaching, she upbraids
them for having left the poor children in ignorance of their sad loss,
on which old Marann, taking the orphans in her arms, explains to them,
that they will never see their parents again on earth. The poor
children cry bitterly and bid a heartrending farewell to their little
home. Thus ends the Prelude.

{471}

The first act takes place twelve years later.

Amrei has entered the service of the rich Rodelbauer. She still goes
bare-footed, but she is the life of the inn, and everybody requires her
services.--It is St. Paul's day and the farmer's wife promises Amrei
that she may join in the dancing like the other girls. While Amrei
goes into the house to adorn herself for the festival, Dami comes t